Proud moment for Mt Edgecombe BC
PARKHILL Bowling Club was alive with anticipation on Sunday, March 24, as the eight semi-finalists in the men’s and women’s PNB Trips Championships took to the green to do battle for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Mount Edgecombe Bowling Club members were out in full support to witness club history as their member and club secretary, Heather Wright, led Jenny Robinson and Debbie de Kock out for what would be the club’s first district medal.
Having taken out the 2023 champions from Amanzintoti BC in their quarter-final game, the ladies from Mt Edgecombe faced Estelle van der Merwe, Amanda Ninow and Hendrina Cairncross from Winkelspruit BC in their semi-final and, with a convincing
plus-15, found themselves in the final against Susan Nel, Hilary Lindsay and Leslie Levy from Amanzimtoti BC.
After another commendable plus15 win in the final, Wright commented
on her team’s exemplary performance throughout the tournament, highlighting how they combined and complemented each other.
“Jenny and Debbie up front played
like true champions, making my responsibility as skip purely a consolidation and maintenance role.
“After our quarter-final win, we realised that we could triumph and take gold. We put our heads down and tackled the two tasks ahead with determined courage.
“It was a very proud moment to win the gold medals for Mt Edgecombe BC,” said Wright.
The men’s section saw Hillcrest BC’s injured Wayne Roberts skip Dougie Bashford and Roger Boulle into the final after taking their semi-final against the 2023 champions, Ian Oehley, Gerhard Beukes and Jarryd Ramsden, from Hillary BC with a 16to 12-shot win.
In their final, the precision of Boulle and Bashford up front saw the men from Hillcrest oust the formidable Umhlali CC combination of Ruaan Victor, Dave Riley and David Neave with a 16-shot advantage after 15 of the 18 ends had been played.
Roberts expressed his pleasure at winning his third trips title in four years and gave credit to Bashford and Boulle who acquitted themselves
exceptionally well throughout the tournament, really rising to the challenge in the final.
“Playing with an injury was a true trial for me, but Dougie and Roger were aware how important this third title is and their performance, especially in the final, was truly praiseworthy,” explained Roberts.
Bowls South Africa has announced their 24-strong women’s Green Squad for 2024.
The squad will attend a camp, which will be held at The Nest Hotel from Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7, this year. Port Natal Bowls congratulates Natalie Botha from Stella Park BC and Michelle Gerber from Hillcrest BC for their selection and wishes them well on their bowls journey.
Again, all eyes will be on Parkhill BC this weekend as 28 teams battle for a slice of the R80 000 prize money in their Hollywood Bets CMH Fours Tournament.
Those who did not get an entry are invited to join the spectators to enjoy some closely fought encounters and the hospitality presented by Parkhill’s members and staff.